New OMEA Required Concert Band Preview #3 – High School Class B

This latest preview of the new required pieces on the OMEA concert band lists features new titles on the High School Class B list. Next week we will preview the new required titles for High School Class C, with new required pieces for junior high/middle school and Stanton’s recommendations for the best new marches following after the holidays. You can view and listen to the complete OMEA required concert band lists by clicking on the OMEA Required Music Lists option on our concert band webpage, and selecting the list you wish to view. We hope you find this preview to be useful, and look forward to helping you plan a successful contest program.

New OMEA Class B Required Selections

Foundry – John Mackey
Bold, rhythmic, and contemporary, Foundry sounds like the sonic incarnation of its title – imagine the forging of iron weaponry for a Lord of the Rings-style epic battle. From the composer’s blog – “Wouldn’t it be cool, as a percussionist, when you first realized that playing percussion wasn’t just hitting a snare drum or playing a glockenspiel, but it also meant finding non-traditional instruments like trash cans and brake drums? Why not write the piece that could be the first to expose young percussionists to this concept?” This is what AEJ said to me probably two years ago. Thanks to her idea, and Facebook, I have a new piece: “Foundry,” for concert band with “found” percussion.

Proclamations – Rob Romeyn
A magnificent way to open or close your special concert. The celebration begins with sparkling woodwinds dancing above towering pillars of brass & percussion, setting the stage for the lush and varied chorales which become the heart of the work. Interspersed within them, an impressive range of styles & character, colors and emotions, from fanfares to songlike melodies to joyous revelry, each as fresh & charming as they are unique. Powerful and inspirational.

Song of Loudest Praise – Andrew Boysen
(from the publisher notes) This diverse selection has something for everyone. The delicate, sweet melody of the opening has a music-box quality to it, but before long, the piece transforms itself into something heroic and spirited, building to a mighty roar. In the end, the crystalline textures of the opening reappear to bring the work to a gentle close.

Songs from the Heartland – Mikkelson/Galvin/Roberts/Sze
Daniel Decatur Emmett (b. 1815, Mt. Vernon, OH) made a name for himself in minstrel shows, circus bands, and the U.S. Army. Along the way, he composed songs that would become integral to the fabric of America’s folk music heritage. Featured in this homespun medley are Old Dan Tucker, The Boatman’s Dance, and the historical milestone Dixie.

Windjammer – Robert Buckley
Windjammers were the last of the great sailing tall ships, and this piece from the pen of Robert Buckley captures the majesty and excitement of these amazing vessels. The voyage begins announced by three solo trumpets surrounding the audience and bouncing musical phrases off one another. The sails are raised, the ship is underway, and the audience is taken on a colorful and exciting musical voyage. This is effective and skillfully scored programmatic music at its best.

All of these titles can be ordered via Stantons.com, or by phone (1-800-426-8742). Don’t forget to order your judges’ scores – ordering now can save you stress come contest time (avoid them being out-of-stock, or worse, temporarily out-of-print). Keep following the Stanton’s blog for our remaining concert band previews. Shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!